Flatten an illustrator file

Merging Layers 1. Merging is just like flattening but only for the layers you specify , so remember to save a copy of your project before making any changes, because you won't be able to undo them. While holding down the CTRL key Command on Mac , browse through the Layers panel and click on all of the layers that you wish to combine.

The last layer you select will be the "merged" layer. Finally, open the Layers panel menu by clicking the dropdown arrow in the top right corner, and choose "Merge Selected". Keep in mind that objects cannot merge with each other, and layers can only merge if they're located at the same level of the folder hierarchy. Search Search. Working with Files Vector. Flattening removes transparency information and converts images to a format that the printer can interpret.

When you flatten a PDF, you merge previously separated contents of your document into one. Flattening a PDF makes it so that: Interactive elements in PDF forms such as checkboxes, text boxes, radio buttons, drop-down lists are no longer fillable. Select the flattening settings you want to use, either by choosing a preset or setting specific options.

Click OK. The simplest is to re-save your file as a reduced-size PDF. Flatten any transparent objects within your file by selecting them. You can also select one layer in the Layers panel, then hold Shift on your keyboard while clicking the other layer. Create the item you want to use as a mask by using the Pen tool to create a shape or a closed path. Use the Selection tool to select the placed image and the shape.

Flattening an image significantly reduces the file size, making it easier to export to the web and print the image. Sending a file with layers to a printer takes longer because each layer is essentially an individual image, which drastically increases the amount of data that needs to be processed.

Change the setting accordingly. Normally I just leave it as it is. Just hit OK. Everything is combined in one layer and the text is outlined, which means you cannot edit them anymore. You can flatten layers in the Layers panel by clicking Flatten Artwork. Step 1 : Go to the Layers panel and click this hidden table of content. Step 2 : Click Flatten Artwork. Flattening an image reduces the size of the file, not directly affecting the quality of the image.

You can choose the image quality when you flatten and save the file. Flattening an image is very simple and useful.

It can really save you trouble when you need to print out your artwork. Flatten Transparency is combining all objects layers into one single-layer image. Flatten Artwork is simply combining all objects into one single layer, which means you can still move around the objects within the layer. Your email address will not be published.